3 Lessons Elder Wirthlin Learned about Faith on a Football Field

MR says: Not only was Elder Joseph Wirthlin a devoted disciple of Christ, he was a talented college running back. Here are just a few incredible stories that show how Elder Wirthlin's faith grew through football.

Football season is back! Watching some great early-season matchups over the past few weeks, I’ve reflected some on the many life-lessons we can take from this great sport. Many of those lessons can be found in stories related by the late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, running back for the University of Utah during the late 1930s and apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Below are just a few of my favorites.

Do what is right, no matter the consequence!

[One] lesson I learned on the football field was at the bottom of a pile of 10 other players. It was the Rocky Mountain Conference championship game, and the play called for me to run the ball up the middle to score the go-ahead touchdown.